Application of a subnetwork characterization methodology for dynamic traffic assignment

textThe focus of this dissertation is a methodology to select an appropriate subnetwork from a large urban transportation network that experiences changes to a small fraction of the whole network. Subnetwork selection techniques are most effective when using a regional dynamic traffic assignment model. The level of detail included in the regional model relieves the user of manually coding subnetwork components because they can be extracted from the full model. This method will reduce the resources necessary for an agency to complete an analysis through time and cost savings. Dynamic traffic assignment also has the powerful capability of determining rerouting due to network changes. However, the major limitation of these new dynamic models is the computational demand of the algorithms, which inhibit use of full regional models for comparing multiple scenarios. By examining a smaller window of the network, where impacts are expected to occur, the burden of computer power and time can be overcome. These methods will contribute to the accuracy of dynamic transportation systems analysis, increase the tractability of these advanced traffic models, and help implement new modeling techniques previously limited by network size. The following describes how to best understand the effects of reducing a network to a subarea and how this technique may be implemented in practice.Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineerin

Developing a GIS-based intersection traffic control planning tool

textThe purpose of this study was to include consideration for intersections into the previously created GIS traffic control planning tool. Available data for making intersection control calculations were collected and integrated into the design of the tool. The limitations created by required assumptions were addressed, as well as more advanced techniques for overcoming these problems. The tool can be use to estimate capacity calculations at any signalized intersection within the NCTCOG modeling region. These calculations can be used to inform users about the effects of a construction plan. Inputs for using dynamic traffic assignment to further understand these effects is then addressed, focusing on the development of a subnetwork to reduce computation time for multiple temporary traffic control plans.Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineerin